2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport 2004

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2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport repairs by problem area

Engine (50%)

Transmission and Drivetrain (13%)

Brakes and Traction Control (5%)

Suspension and Steering (18%)

Electrical and Air Conditioning (10%)

Paint, Rust, Leaks, Rattles, and Trim (2%)

Other (3%)

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Chart based on 197 repairs.
See TSBs and recalls for the 2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport.

2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport repair cost distribution

$2500+ (4%)

$1000 - $2499 (7%)

$500 - $999 (16%)

$100 - $499 (40%)

< $100 (32%)

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Chart based on 166 repair trips. The repair cost chart excludes repairs made under warranty, do-it-yourself repairs, and repair trips that include maintenance.

2004 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 300hp 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD

Subaru WRX STI in Washington, United States
Sep 2015 - Sep 2016
Sep 2015

110000 mi

US $6000
Spun a rod bearing, requiring full engine rebuild. The engine had previously been replaced at 104k miles, and was a crate smallblock from Subaru. 
Mar 2016

113000 mi

US $600
Worn out Turbo, required replacement 
Apr 2016

113300 mi
radiator fan cut into radiator hose, causing a leak and requiring replacement. The problem was caused by a faulty installation. 
Jul 2016

115000 mi

US $150
Transmission refused to go into gear. Strangely, the problem was fixed by putting the car onto the flat-bed tow truck. 

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2004 Subaru WRX STI 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 300hp 2.5L H4 6-speed manual AWD

Subaru WRX STI in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2010 - Jul 2017
Mar 2011

111000 mi

US $270
Steering was shaky at low speed turns. Owner checked power steering fluid. Noticed it was low. Refilled. Low again the next day. Took to shop. Shop determined that power steering pump was faulty. Replaced w/OEM Subaru pump. 
Sep 2011

118000 mi

US $200
STI. Caliper bolts seized on front Brembos - common problems discussed on Internet. Shop had to use retap threads, install Helicoil and new caliper bolts. Shop stated they often do this for STI owners. 
Mar 2013

134000 mi

US $450
Both valve cover gaskets leaking badly. Oil cooler leaking oil due to Sears Auto overtightening oil filter. Cooler was crushed and out of shape. Check engine light code P0457. Evap system is faulty. Replaced charcoal vapor canister + gas cap, but check engine light still returned. 
Subaru WRX STI in Texas, United States
Oct 2009 - Feb 2010
Feb 2010

84000 mi
Sold with clunking struts, known issue. 
Subaru WRX STI in Florida, United States
Feb 2011 - Jan 2014
Jul 2011

64000 mi

US $300
Radiator fan came into contact with upper radiator hose and wore a hole into the hose. Happens somewhat frequently based on reports on nasioc.com. Replaced hose. Also replaced radiator due to signs of leakage between core and end tanks. 
Jan 2013

US $110
Leaking valve cover gasket on driver's side. Replaced both valve cover gaskets. 
Subaru WRX STI in California, United States
Mar 2011 - Apr 2011
Apr 2011

81000 mi

US $4500
Rear transmission bearing blew up. Metal particles found on tranny magnet indicate metal traveled throughout transmission. Rebuild cost prohibitive. New tranny $4.5k +1k labor on West Coast.  Steering pump leaking. Dealer quote $700 for part + $200 labor. Air conditioning leaking coolant. Replaced old oring. 
Subaru WRX STI in Utah, United States
Oct 2016 - Jun 2018
Jul 2017

149000 mi

US $50
General maintenece, changed engine oil and filter, also changed transmission fluid 
Aug 2017

149000 mi

US $9000
Replaced entire drivetrain including transmission, axels, and diffs as well as suspention, rotors and pads. 
Oct 2017

150000 mi

US $4500
Replaced the turbo. Replaced fuel injectors and fuel rails. 
Subaru WRX STI in Michigan, United States
Aug 2008 - Dec 2012
Sep 2008

70000 mi

US $85
Front Passenger Outer CV boot had a hole in it, which sprayed grease inside the wheel well. Replaced with a new half shaft. 
Subaru WRX STI in California, United States
Dec 2010 - Jan 2011
Jan 2011

69000 mi

US $100
CEL P0011 P0021 - changed oil, removed pre-avcs filter screens, problem went away. 
Subaru WRX STI in West Virginia, United States
Jan 2008 - May 2009
May 2008

93000 mi

US $50
Rear wheel bearing replaced. 

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2004 Subaru WRX 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 227hp 2.0L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru WRX in California, United States
Oct 2007 - Jul 2010
Feb 2010

88000 mi

US $600
Alternator died on me with little warning. 
Jun 2010

93000 mi

US $200
Power steering line leak. 
Jul 2010

93000 mi

US $260
Blown radiator. Car was perfect until 88k and then started falling apart so I sold it. Oh well. 
Subaru WRX in South Carolina, United States
Feb 2015 - Feb 2016
May 2015

155300 mi

US $200
Leak in AC was noticed, had to replace high pressure AC hose. Then recharge 
Aug 2015

155300 mi

US $300
Major wheel bearing failure. Replaced both front wheel bearings, 1x axle, 1x hub, 1x abs sensor. 
Subaru WRX in Missouri, United States
Feb 2006 - Sep 2012
Feb 2006

38000 mi
Replace radiator 
Sep 2011

90000 mi

US $1
A/C drive pulley locked up and ruined belt- replace belt and pulley 
Subaru WRX in New Hampshire, United States
Feb 2011 - Aug 2012
Dec 2011

138000 mi

US $155
Passenger side ball joint needed to be replaced. 
Subaru WRX in Colorado, United States
Sep 2010 - Aug 2015
Oct 2010

92000 mi

US $985
Thermostat failed;cracked radiator. Bill $1,050 including tax. 
Aug 2013

115000 mi

US $35
Replaced A/C compressor pulley. Neighbor diagnosed problem and repair. Unsure how much labor would be at shop $35 for part. 
Dec 2013

119000 mi

US $1100
Starter sticking. Replaced with remanufactured unit Raw fuel leak faulty hose common problem up to 2009 models 
Aug 2015

124000 mi
Clutch slipping 
Subaru WRX in New Jersey, United States
Nov 2011 - Mar 2018
Jun 2011

125000 mi

US $30
CV boot was replaced. 
Jun 2012

135000 mi

US $60
Ball joint replaced. 
Dec 2014

127000 mi

US $46
Ac idler pulley was replaced 
Sep 2015

135000 mi

US $80
replaced front brake caliper 
Jun 2016

140000 mi

US $350
Tie rod replaced. Alignment completed. 
Sep 2017

146000 mi

US $130
Replace power steering pump 
Nov 2017

148000 mi

US $120
Radiator and thermostat replaced 
Dec 2017

148000 mi

US $150
Replaced valve cover gaskets. Both sides. 
Subaru WRX in Michigan, United States
Jan 2014 - Mar 2014
Jan 2014

164000 mi

US $450
Engine ran too rich due to me switching sparkplug wires, catalytic converter ran hot and damaged turbo 
Subaru WRX in California, United States
Feb 2008 - Mar 2018
Dec 2008

75000 mi

US $650
Reverse gear broke. I was warming it up and let out the clutch with the hand brake on and I heard a loud bang and the shifter was stuck in reverse. I freed the shifter, but it wouldn't back up after the incident. 
Dec 2013

130000 mi

US $150
Inner C/V boots replaced Top of plastic radiator tank split 
Apr 2016

163800 mi

US $10
Power steering pump leak fixed. Disassemble and replace oring reals. 
Subaru WRX in California, United States
Sep 2005 - Jul 2013
Jan 2005

38000 mi

US $500
Radiator leaked at the plastic top seam. Replaced with a Koyo all aluminum radiator. 
Jul 2013

104000 mi
Driver's seat felt loose and it was due to a loose bolt on the driver's side track. Tightened it back up and all is fine. 
Subaru WRX in British Columbia, Canada
Aug 2010 - Jul 2011
Jul 2011

64480 mi

C $600
clunk in the rear suspension, replaced strut 
Subaru WRX in Michigan, United States
Mar 2008 - Jun 2011
Mar 2010

55000 mi

US $100
Just had to have adjustment made so check engine light wouldn't come on 
Subaru WRX in Arkansas, United States
Dec 2008 - Jan 2014
Aug 2010

95000 mi

US $50
left front inner fender came loose and was torn from vehicle. 
Subaru WRX in California, United States
Aug 2009 - Jun 2011
Jun 2010

110000 mi
First replacement timing belt was squealing and then snapped. Mechanic put new one on no charge and it has worked without problems. 
Subaru WRX in New Hampshire, United States
Sep 2004 - Mar 2010
Jun 2004

220 mi
Replaced front axles due to excessive vibration. It helped a bit. 
Mar 2009

59000 mi

US $180
CV boot was leaking grease due to tear so it was replaced. 

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2004 Subaru WRX 4dr Wagon

turbocharged 227hp 2.0L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru WRX in South Carolina, United States
Jun 2017 - Oct 2021
May 2021

38000 mi
Cvt leaking at seal. Repaired with power train 5 year warranty. 
Subaru WRX in Pennsylvania, United States
Aug 2015 - Jan 2016
Jan 2016

US $200
Cylinder 3 misfire due to bad coil pack. The same coil pack had been replaced approximately 20 months ago for the same issue. 

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2004 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 227hp 2.0L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru WRX in Quebec, Canada
Jan 2008 - Jun 2011
Jan 2010

C $400
fuel lines leak during very cold weather, cause a smell of gasoline in the cabine 
Apr 2010

114700 mi

C $30
Gasket from the turbo to the downpipe 
Subaru WRX in Pennsylvania, United States
Sep 2009 - Jun 2011
Oct 2010

102000 mi

US $1600
100k on OEM Struts, finally showed signs in need of repairs 2 months after having my struts replaced my second gear failed 
Subaru WRX in Illinois, United States
Dec 2012 - Apr 2017
Aug 2016

133000 mi

US $1800
Clutch replacement 
Mar 2017

143000 mi

US $303
Leaking defective radiator which was replaced with a new aftermarket radiator 
Subaru WRX in Tennessee, United States
Aug 2017 - Jun 2018
May 2018

172000 mi

US $650
Map Sensor IAT Sensor 
Subaru WRX in Colorado, United States
Aug 2015 - Jun 2022
Jan 2016

136500 mi

US $480
clamps on fuel lines not holding hoses on and gas was leaking.clamps were placed at earlier visit 2 years ago when hoses had worn out and were leaking coolant hoses leaking/loose 
Apr 2016

139000 mi
minor leak from power steering pump with 139,000 miles on it. pump itself still working fine, no issues other than leak. chose no repair for now. 
Oct 2017

146000 mi

US $1200
new clutch and flywheel after 146,000 miles. stock clutch lasted 10 years beyond turbo upgrade, 340 lb/ft at the crank new power steering pump. original one was cracked and leaking after ~ 139,000 miles 
Dec 2017

148000 mi

US $60
bottom radiator hose separated from radiator. coolant left radiator. reattached hose, added new coolant and Subaru coolant conditioner 
Jan 2018

148000 mi

US $50
failed CO emissions. changed downpipe PCV valve old. put new PCV valve in. 
Feb 2018

150000 mi

US $120
I've done a shit ton of work this winter on the Subaru. Did these in my garage: New brake fluid, took apart all brakes and regreased, added subframe rear bolts, added stiffer differential mount bushings, steering bushings, changed oil, new gear oil. In addition, I paid a mechanic to install a new clutch and flywheel. adjusted leaking fuel injectors/fuel rail driver's side, new fuel filter. transmission mount bushings were shot. 
May 2022

185000 mi

US $100
replaced valve cover gaskets 
Subaru WRX in New Mexico, United States
Nov 2007 - Mar 2010
Jan 2008

61000 mi

US $380
Inner front DOJ boots were torn and spraying grease under car. 
Feb 2008

62000 mi
Mechanic for January 2008 DoJ repair tore the inner, driver's side DoJ while replacing the axle. Shop fixed free of charge. 
Apr 2008

63000 mi

US $110
Refrigerant leaks sufficiently to activate low pressure switch in about 8-12 months. Has occurred twice over the last two years. Leak is too small to identify -- two shops have tried. 
Subaru WRX in Idaho, United States
- Dec 2010
Aug 2010

69000 mi

US $100
Head Gasket - covered under extended warranty 
Dec 2010

80000 mi

US $250
Transmission and drivetrain, except computers and sensors, repair 
Subaru WRX in Texas, United States
Oct 2009 - Jun 2011
Sep 2010

50000 mi
Replaced fog lights. Took about 30-45 minutes. Bought replacement bulbs and took care of it myself.  
Subaru WRX in Massachusetts, United States
Mar 2008 - Sep 2013
Jul 2008

89000 mi

US $6000
hot day. accelerated up a slight hill. heard severe engine knock. Cam bearing failure. Engine toasted. Was told by friend who races cars that they had lost a few engines due to lightweight synthetic oil problems during very hot weather. 
Nov 2011

156100 mi

US $400
misfire on cylinders 1,2,3,4. replaced coil packs. Still misfire on cylinder 2. Cylinder 2 compression down compared to 1,3,4. Most probable cause is a bad exhaust valve. Able to coax car to an emission test pass. Drives well. car stalled. alternator replaced. 
Jul 2012

170300 mi

US $700
oxygen sensors replaced  repair of exhaust leaks 
Subaru WRX in Colorado, United States
Feb 2014 - Apr 2014
Feb 2014

119000 mi

US $220
The AC pulley went bad and started making a very loud whining noise. 
Subaru WRX in Michigan, United States
Apr 2010 - May 2013
Sep 2010

97000 mi

US $250
Plastic end tank on stock radiator cracked and leaking coolant. Replaced with new aftermarket radiator with aluminum end tanks (less expensive than new OEM plastic/aluminum radiator). Installed radiator and replaced coolant. 
Aug 2011

106500 mi

US $85
Leaking turbo oil feed line. OEM hard line was cracked. 
Apr 2012

112000 mi

US $100
O2 sensor failed. Replaced. 
Subaru WRX in Texas, United States
Jul 2008 - Jun 2013
Jul 2010

57000 mi

US $900
Been hearing occasional squeak. While in for an oil change, mechanic identified it as one of the belts. Since timing belts were about due, got all the belts and tensioners changed. A radiator hose was also changed. 
Jan 2013

US $600
Crack in top tank of radiator. Replaced radiator, coolant hoses, thermostat. 
Subaru WRX in Ohio, United States
Aug 2007 - Jul 2014
Mar 2010

80000 mi

US $450
O2 sensor failure  
Jan 2012

98700 mi

US $500
New starter needed, belts needed adjustment. 
Nov 2013

103900 mi
Check engine light on, cause unknown. 
Jul 2014

106000 mi
Broken connecting rod 
Subaru WRX in Virginia, United States
Oct 2005 - Oct 2009
Jan 2005

35000 mi
New flywheel to fix "shuddering" problem. Known TSB. If outside 36k mile warranty it will not be covered under warranty. 
Oct 2009

79000 mi

US $1300
Replaced A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator. AC would blow cold for 20 seconds then hot.  

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2004 Subaru WRX 4dr Sedan

turbocharged 227hp 2.0L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru WRX in Illinois, United States
Dec 2012 - Sep 2016
Sep 2013

184000 mi

US $270
The rack and pinion rubber bushings were worn allowing some play. rubber OEM pieces were replaced with poly-urethane bushings. 
Apr 2014

195200 mi

US $506
Passenger side rear caliper/caliper bracket worn and required replacement. Both rear brake pads and rotors replaced at the same time. Parking brake cleaned/adjusted. 
Aug 2014

201000 mi

US $350
Turn signals work intermittently. Turn signal switch & relay replaced by owner. Didn't correct issue. Dealer confirmed short in harness & offered 2 options: Install a new harness or use jumper power lead to fuse box. Jumper lead performed 
Sep 2014

204000 mi

US $40
Replaced passenger window switch. 
Nov 2014

205000 mi

US $1800
Water pump leaking. Also replaced all timing components + belt. Replaced hydraulic tensioner and all four idler pulleys while in there. All had various amounts of play. Oil pump/seal was also leaking and oil pump had to be replaced. 
Jan 2015

194500 mi

US $160
Drivers side front caliper sticking. Both front calipers, front rotors and pads all replaced. 
Aug 2015

215000 mi

US $639
Replaced rotors, replaced calipers age pads Cv joint seal blown. Replaced drivers side CV joint 
Jan 2016

208300 mi

US $237
#3 coil failed causing misfire and flashing CEL. 
Jun 2016

221000 mi

US $300
#3 cylinder coil failed again causing #3 cylinder misfire. #3 coil was replaced as we're all 4 spark plugs. 

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2004 Subaru Impreza 4dr Sedan

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Impreza in California, United States
Dec 2009 - Jun 2011
Sep 2009

102000 mi

US $2000
Replaced transmission (purchased used for $1100) + clutch/flywheel, master, slave cylinders ($600) + labor ($300) 
Subaru Impreza in Connecticut, United States
Jun 2013 - Jan 2014
Dec 2013

126000 mi

US $200
one cylinder lost compression completely. 
Subaru Impreza in Quebec, Canada
Sep 2009 - Jan 2011
Jun 2010

54560 mi

C $100
Heat shield had to be repaired was rattling. 
Nov 2010

57040 mi

C $210
Replace sway bar bushings 

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2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 5-speed manual AWD

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ontario, Canada
- Feb 2007
Feb 2007

43400 mi
Top end rebuild to alleviate piston slap 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2016 - Feb 2018
May 2017

128340 mi

C $120
ball joint 
Nov 2017

130200 mi

C $340
Replaced front axle. Boot on inner CV was torn and was making lots of noise 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ohio, United States
May 2011 - Aug 2012
Jul 2011

135000 mi

US $44
blower only working on setting 4. defective blower resistor was the failed part. replaced resistor in 5 minutes. 2 screws left of blower motor disconnect & connect. problem fixed. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ontario, Canada
Aug 2007 - Jun 2011
Apr 2009

60760 mi
Piston and gasket head replaced in engine to correct engine knock. 

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2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport 4dr Wagon

165-horsepower 2.5L H4 4-speed automatic AWD

Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Connecticut, United States
Jan 2017 - Feb 2019
Aug 2017

87000 mi

US $450
Heard knocking. Replaced an wheel bearing. Was told another would need replacing soon. 
Sep 2017

91000 mi

US $450
Second wheel bearing started making noise a few weeks later, had it replaced. 
Jan 2018

92000 mi

US $20
Heat shield breaking off. Re-attached the shield. 
May 2018

94000 mi

US $250
P0030 code - Check Engine light went on kept coming back on even after resetting. O2 sensor in Bank 1 had to be replaced. 
Feb 2019

100000 mi

US $65
collapsed radiator hose, hole blowing steam in it. Hose replaced, no other issue found. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Indiana, United States
Nov 2017 - Dec 2017
Nov 2017

127000 mi

US $800
Caliper replaced. front rotors and pads and rear pads and rotors 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Alberta, Canada
Feb 2009 - Jun 2017
Dec 2009

44640 mi

C $316
Car stalling during cold start 
Mar 2010

45880 mi
noise front end when hitting bumps...stabilizer bar bushings are worn...have not repaired yet. Update: later determined to be a loose brake caliper mount. 
Dec 2012

60760 mi

C $90
original battery replaced... driver side heated seat not functioning 
Apr 2013

61060 mi
smell of raw fuel within cabin when car started in cold weather. It goes away once car is warmed up. Apparently, a common problem according to the forums; due to crack injection lines under the manifold 
Aug 2013

62620 mi
Hole in exhaust at mounting bracket 
May 2014

65844 mi

C $820
Replaced rear struts Repaired exhaust at centre mount; cut out corroded section and bracket and installed new section and new bracket. Replaced rear struts Repaired exhaust at centre mount; cut out corroded section and bracket and installed new section and new bracket 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in New Jersey, United States
May 2008 - Jun 2016
Sep 2012

95000 mi

US $500
Replaced head gaskets as preventative measure after they were found to be leaking oil. 
Aug 2013

102000 mi

US $1500
Replaced rusted exhaust components including new catalytic converter & O2 sensor. 
Jan 2014

112000 mi

US $500
Raw fuel smell when very cold out (less than 15F) 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Virginia, United States
Aug 2009 - Aug 2020
Apr 2010

89700 mi

US $150
a botched transmission service some time in the car's past led to severe ATF leak requiring immediate service 
Dec 2012

122000 mi

US $200
noticed a tear in the outer CV boot on the passenger side, decided to replace the whole axle, bought a re-manufactured axle assembly at a parts store and had my usual shop install it 
Dec 2013

134000 mi

US $200
small piece of rubber fuel line leading to passenger side injectors was leaking fuel power steering belt was squealing and was replaced 
Sep 2015

148000 mi

US $150
tore inner cv boot on driver's side, replaced entire axle with new 
Oct 2016

159000 mi

US $255
CV axle that was replaced last year failed; had a new, higher quality one installed. 
Jan 2018

169000 mi

US $50
idler pulley for the A/C seized which destroyed the belt; replaced with upgraded pulley, also replaced the pulley mounting hardware 
Apr 2020

18000 mi

US $2100
replaced rear hubs and bearings 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Iowa, United States
Oct 2009 - Jun 2013
Jan 2010

118500 mi

US $2500
Replace leaking head gaskets. 
Apr 2010

126000 mi

US $500
Replace wheel bearing 
Jun 2010

128000 mi
Sticky transmission safety interlock ... cleaned and lubed. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Indiana, United States
Feb 2016 - Jul 2018
Feb 2017

91000 mi

US $130
O2 sensor failed and replaced. 
Jul 2018

121000 mi

US $400
The wagons (not sedans) of this generation have a leak that allows water to collect around the rear strut towers, causing rust. If not attended to, rear suspension can detach from the body. Rear interior carpet removed, cut out rust, and welded new metal to replace rust. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ontario, Canada
Dec 2011 - Jul 2013
Jan 2012

C $850
2) Electrical short causing passenger side headlight to prematurely burn out (still not fixed) 3) gas fumes during winter months when gas lines leak into the air vents (can only fix via recirculating int air) 
Sep 2012

68200 mi

C $200
Check engine light, and error codes pointed to the Emissions controls. Checked fuel cap, hoses. Reset the computer code, light went quiet for 1 week and is back on. 
Dec 2012

71300 mi

C $5000
Manifold gasket leak / replaced. EVAP repaired 
Jan 2013

62760 mi
Timing belt, water pump, ignition system, head gastkets Electrical short causing headlights to prematurely fail. 
Jul 2013

73780 mi
Fuel smell in the cabin at -5Celcius or below Electrical short never fixed. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in New York, United States
Nov 2009 - Nov 2016
Apr 2010

106000 mi

US $484
Fuel-filler lid did not always open--technician successfully repaired; Bearings in rear, driver-side wheel were deteriorating--technician ordered parts including new hub since this was third time in 14 months car suffered similar problem Original hub was scored so hub assembly, bearings, and seals were replaced. 
Jun 2011

126000 mi

US $27
Loose heat shield was spot welded together 
Aug 2011

129000 mi
Heat shield loosened again but in multiple places this time. Shop personnel spot welded heat shield and added a couple of retaining brackets for support. All work done at no cost. 
Oct 2011

132000 mi

US $922
The passenger-side rear strut was damaged severely, and I had both rear strut assemblies replaced. 
Jan 2012

135000 mi

US $45
Engine overheating was result of faulty thermostat. Thermostat was replaced. 
Apr 2012

137000 mi

US $43
I had ongoing problem with unwanted vibration because of loose heat shields. After failing to repair successfully, I had them removed. Left high beam is not properly leveled. It turns out the headlight assembly (a small piece of supporting plastic) is broken and requires complete replacement. 
Dec 2012

148000 mi

US $505
Check Engine light was on for over two weeks. Diagnostic test indicated oxygen sensor malfunction. Replacement of the sensor was necessary. 
Jan 2013

149000 mi

US $845
My exhaust pipe rusted completely through between the 2nd & 3rd catalytic converters. I needed to replace 2/3 of my exhaust system, and since the cost was about the same as for OEM parts, I replaced it with a Flowmaster cat-back system. 
May 2013

156000 mi

US $600
In March 2012 I learned that my left headlight cluster required replacement because of a broken element. I postponed replacing the headlight assembly until now. Head gaskets leaking externally, possible damage to cylinder heads; also, faint clanking sound emanating from engine suggestive of damaged bearings A faint clacking or knocking sound from the rear when I turn. Most noticeable when I accelerate into either a sharp turn or a wide sweeping turn. It is more noticeable upon turning left than right, but intermittent. Technician could not detect it. 
Jun 2013

157000 mi
Car serviced for same recall notice twice. Recall (NHTSA Receipt Date 9/06/2011): problem with front lower control arms. Work performed first time by dealer (12/2011) was poor. Mechanic noticed corrosion. Subaru America approved replacement 6/2013. 
Jul 2013

157800 mi

US $1200
Head gasket & oil pan leak and shifter cable frayed All parts were replaced including belts, water pump, seals, bushings, and related fluids. I am unable to separate these costs. Routine work performed at same time that I did not include. Shifter cable frayed. 
Aug 2013

159000 mi

US $325
During replacement of brake rotors and pads, the technicians noticed that the rear calipers were malfunctioning and recommended their replacement. I complied. 
Nov 2013

162000 mi

US $600
Front passenger-side CV boot ruptured. Boot, axle shaft including joint, front wheel bearing assembly, and inner and outer bearing seals were all replaced. 
Jan 2014

151000 mi

US $33
A leak from the power-steering-fluid reservoir was cleaned, new clamps fitted to fluid lines, and fluid reservoir refilled. Cause was not determined. 
Mar 2014

166000 mi

US $81
Power-steering fluid continues to leak although amount lost is minuscule so far. Leak appears to originate from steering rack itself. Update: later found that the fluid was not steering fluid. 
Dec 2014

177000 mi

US $120
The evap canister drain valve failed and needed replacement. Two electronic codes--P0457 and especially P1443--led to this diagnosis. The canister evap vent valve was replaced with new unit. 
Oct 2015

189800 mi

US $108
A/C belt drive idler pulley assembly contained damaged/worn bearings. Drive belt idler pulley was replaced. 
Feb 2016

194000 mi

US $618
External coolant leak in rusted metal bypass tube from water pump to heater hose resulted in damaged head gaskets and blown seals. All damaged parts plus water pump, thermostat, and timing kit were replaced. Front passenger-side wheel bearing assembly damaged. 
Jun 2016

199000 mi

US $918
One rear caliper seized effectively destroying pad and rotor on that brake assembly. Both rear calipers, rotors, and pads were replaced. 
Aug 2016

201000 mi

US $285
The driver-side axle-shaft boot was rotted, cracked, and leaking oil, and the entire assembly was replaced. 
Sep 2016

202000 mi

US $497
My car had a faulty ignition coil and ignition wire leading from coil to cylinder 2. Both coil and wire replaced. 
Nov 2016

202000 mi
Significant signs of rust damage. Sporadic CEL related to the evap system or fuel system something-or-other. 
Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport in Ontario, Canada
Oct 2015 - Apr 2018
Sep 2016

89280 mi

C $200
Got a Check Engine Light P0442 which is evaporative system (small leak). Have not solved it yet, but garages seem to want $100 just for a smoke test then unknown amount for determining and fixing the leak. Not too happy. 
Apr 2018

93620 mi

C $250
High pressure metal line attached to steering rack leaked. Subaru wanted to replace whole rack at a cost of approx 1500. Mechanic fabricated a replacement line. 

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See TrueDelta's information for all Sedans and Hatchbacks.
See TrueDelta's information for all Subaru models.

2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport Repair Histories

See our lemon odds and nada odds page to see vehicles with no repairs or vehicles with more than three repairs. To see how frequently 2004 Subaru Impreza / WRX / Outback Sport problems occur, check out our car reliability stats.